The special election will be held to fill the vacancy left by the death of Senator [[Daniel Inouye]] (D).

The special election will be held to fill the vacancy left by the death of Senator [[Daniel Inouye]] (D).

−

On June 17, 2013, the [[Hawaii]] [[Democratic Party]] filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to close its primary to all except registered [[Democrats]].<ref>[http://www.hawaiidemocrats.org/ ''Hawaii Democrats'', " News Release: Primary Election Challenge" accessed June 19, 2013]</ref> Currently, [[Hawaii]] does not ask voters to choose a party when they register to vote. This is the first time any state Democratic Party has ever filed a lawsuit to close an open primary.<ref name="primary">[http://www.ballot-access.org/hawaii-democratic-party-sues-to-keep-outsiders-from-voting-in-its-primaries/ ''Ballot Access.org'', "Hawaii Democratic Party Sues To Keep Outsiders from Voting in its Primaries" accessed June 19, 2013]</ref>

+

Incumbent [[Brian Schatz]] won the Democratic primary by less than a one percent margin of victory.

−

Following the primary elections on August 9, 2014, [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] warned of voting “irregularities” in precincts crippled by a massive tropical storm and said she planned to speak with campaign lawyers about a potential ramifications.<ref name="tropstorm">[http://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/colleen-hanabusa-irregularities-hawaii-2014-primary-109936.html ''Politico'', "Colleen Hanabusa cites ‘irregularities’ in Hawaii vote," accessed August 12, 2014]</ref>

+

Following the initial primary election date on August 9, 2014, [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] warned of voting “irregularities” in precincts affected by a massive tropical storm and said she planned to speak with campaign lawyers about a potential ramifications.<ref name="tropstorm">[http://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/colleen-hanabusa-irregularities-hawaii-2014-primary-109936.html ''Politico'', "Colleen Hanabusa cites ‘irregularities’ in Hawaii vote," accessed August 12, 2014]</ref>

−

Although much of the focus of the too close to call DeMcoratic primary was on two precincts in the Big Island’s Puna District where polls were closed because of the storm, Hanabusa’s comments hinted at the impact in surrounding communities as well, where polls were open but some voters were unable to leave their homes.<ref name="tropstorm"/>

+

Although much of the focus of the Democratic primary was on two precincts in the Big Island’s Puna District where polls were closed because of the storm, Hanabusa’s comments hinted at the impact in surrounding communities, where polls were open but some voters were unable to leave their homes.<ref name="tropstorm"/>

−

The winner of the contested [[Democratic]] primary is a favorite for the general election in the heavily [[Democratic]] state.<ref name="gore"/>

+

After an August 15, 2014, special election date was announced for two precincts that closed due to the extensive storm damage, [[Colleen Hanabusa]] filed a lawsuit aimed at postponing the election until after clean-up efforts could be completed and included voters outside the two precincts who were unable to safely make it to the polls.<ref name="lawsuithan">[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/08/13/hanabusa-files-lawsuit-to-delay-friday-election/ ''Washington Post'', "Hanabusa files lawsuit to delay Friday election," accessed August 14, 2014]</ref> The request for a delay in the make-up date was denied.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/hawaii-judge-primary-timing-110035.html ''Politico'', "Colleen Hanabusa makeup vote protest rejected," August 14, 2014]</ref>

+

+

As the winner of the contested [[Democratic]] primary and the sitting incumbent, Schatz is a favorite for the general election in the heavily [[Democratic]] state.<ref name="gore"/>

Senator [[Daniel Inouye]] died December 17, 2012, 50 years after he was first elected to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. He was the longest serving sitting [[United States Senate|senator]] in U.S. history.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/senator-daniel-inouye-dies-office-hawaii-state/story?id=18001650#.UNsLUrbPSfw ''ABC news,'' "Sen. Dan Inouye Dies; In Office Since '59," December 17, 2012]</ref> According to Hawaii law, [[Governor|Gov.]] [[Neil Abercrombie]] (D) was required to appoint someone to the open seat until the special election in 2014. The appointee had to be one of three names submitted by the state party of the incumbent. Inouye gave his preference for his successor in a letter to Abercrombie, in which Inouye listed [[Colleen Hanabusa]] as his pick to replace him in the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]]. [[U.S. House|Representative]] [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] topped the list of early contenders.<ref name=wmtw>[http://www.wmtw.com/news/politics/Inouye-gave-preference-for-successor-before-he-died/-/8791900/17815468/-/8d4tvnz/-/index.html?absolute=true ''WMTW.com'', "Inouye gave preference for successor before he died," December 18, 2012]</ref>

+

Senator [[Daniel Inouye]] died December 17, 2012, 50 years after he was first elected to represent Hawaii in the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]]. He was the longest serving sitting [[United States Senate|senator]] in U.S. history.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/senator-daniel-inouye-dies-office-hawaii-state/story?id=18001650#.UNsLUrbPSfw ''ABC news,'' "Sen. Dan Inouye Dies; In Office Since '59," December 17, 2012]</ref> According to Hawaii law, [[Governor|Gov.]] [[Neil Abercrombie]] (D) was required to appoint someone to the open seat until the special election in 2014. The appointee had to be one of three names submitted by the state party of the incumbent. Inouye gave his preference for his successor in a letter to Abercrombie, in which Inouye listed [[Colleen Hanabusa]] as his pick to replace him in the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]]. [[U.S. House|Representative]] [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] topped the list of early contenders.<ref name=wmtw>[http://www.wmtw.com/news/politics/Inouye-gave-preference-for-successor-before-he-died/-/8791900/17815468/-/8d4tvnz/-/index.html?absolute=true ''WMTW.com'', "Inouye gave preference for successor before he died," December 18, 2012]</ref>

The looming fiscal cliff votes gave [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]] a very narrow window to appoint another Democrat to Inouye's seat.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57560759-10391739/inouye-replacement-to-be-named-wednesday/ ''CBS news,'' "Inouye replaceent to be named Wednesday," December 24, 2012]</ref><ref>[http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2012/12/24/17949-inouyes-last-wish-is-abercrombies-biggest-burden/ ''Civil Beat,'' "Inouye's Last Wish Is Abercrombie's Biggest Burden," December 24, 2012]</ref> On December 26, 2012, the governor tapped his [[Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii|Lieutenant Governor]], [[Brian E. Schatz]] (D), to fill the vacancy, denying Inouye's deathbed request that Hanabusa should succeed him.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2012/12/26/hawaii-governor-picks-brian-schatz-ignoring-inouyes-final-wish/ ''The Washington Post'', "Hawaii governor picks Brian Schatz for Inouye’s seat," December 26, 2012]</ref> [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]] took considerable criticism after stating that he questioned the validity of the letter sent by [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye]] on his deathbed.<ref>[http://onpolitics.usatoday.com/2014/04/15/neil-abercrombie-hawaii-inouye-death-bed-wish/ ''USA Today'', "Governor apologizes for questioning senator's death-bed letter," accessed May 6, 2014]</ref><ref>[http://www.kaleo.org/news/news-at-nine-april/article_c0a878b2-c485-11e3-9822-001a4bcf6878.html ''KALEO'', "Abercrombie apologizes for comments on Inouye letter," accessed May 6, 2014]</ref> He later issued an apology for his remarks.<ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/203477-hawaii-governor-questions-inouyes-dying-wish-from-2012 ''The Hill'', "Governor questions Inouye's 'dying wish'," accessed May 6, 2014]</ref>

The looming fiscal cliff votes gave [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]] a very narrow window to appoint another Democrat to Inouye's seat.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57560759-10391739/inouye-replacement-to-be-named-wednesday/ ''CBS news,'' "Inouye replaceent to be named Wednesday," December 24, 2012]</ref><ref>[http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2012/12/24/17949-inouyes-last-wish-is-abercrombies-biggest-burden/ ''Civil Beat,'' "Inouye's Last Wish Is Abercrombie's Biggest Burden," December 24, 2012]</ref> On December 26, 2012, the governor tapped his [[Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii|Lieutenant Governor]], [[Brian E. Schatz]] (D), to fill the vacancy, denying Inouye's deathbed request that Hanabusa should succeed him.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2012/12/26/hawaii-governor-picks-brian-schatz-ignoring-inouyes-final-wish/ ''The Washington Post'', "Hawaii governor picks Brian Schatz for Inouye’s seat," December 26, 2012]</ref> [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]] took considerable criticism after stating that he questioned the validity of the letter sent by [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye]] on his deathbed.<ref>[http://onpolitics.usatoday.com/2014/04/15/neil-abercrombie-hawaii-inouye-death-bed-wish/ ''USA Today'', "Governor apologizes for questioning senator's death-bed letter," accessed May 6, 2014]</ref><ref>[http://www.kaleo.org/news/news-at-nine-april/article_c0a878b2-c485-11e3-9822-001a4bcf6878.html ''KALEO'', "Abercrombie apologizes for comments on Inouye letter," accessed May 6, 2014]</ref> He later issued an apology for his remarks.<ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/203477-hawaii-governor-questions-inouyes-dying-wish-from-2012 ''The Hill'', "Governor questions Inouye's 'dying wish'," accessed May 6, 2014]</ref>

−

The [[Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee]] announced on April 23, 2013, that it planned to back [[U.S. Senate|U.S. Sen.]] [[Brian Schatz]] in his bid for re-election next year amid a primary challenge from [[U.S. House|U.S. Rep.]] [[Colleen Hanabusa]].<ref>[http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/DSCC-to-back-Schatz-over-Hanabusa-in-Senate-race-4457051.php ''My San Antonio'', "DSCC to back Schatz over Hanabusa in Senate race" accessed April 29, 2013]</ref> On May 7th, 2013, [[EMILY'S List]] endorsed [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] over incumbent [[Brian Schatz]].<ref>[http://emilyslist.org/news/releases/emily%E2%80%99s-list-endorses-colleen-hanabusa-senate-hawai%E2%80%99i-hawai%E2%80%99i-its-way-becoming-fourth- ''Emily's list'', "Endorsements," accessed May 9, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/colleen-hanabusa-endorsed-by-womens-group-90496.html ''Politico'', "Colleen Hanabusa rallies EMILY’s List support" accessed May 9, 2013]</ref>

On May 3, 2013, the widow of [[Hawaii]] [[U.S. Senate|Senator]] [[Daniel K. Inouye]] endorsed Hanabusa’s bid against [[U.S. Senate|Sen.]] [[Brian Schatz]] (D), a move she said honors one of the late senator’s “last requests.”<ref name="Inouye">[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/05/03/inouyes-widow-endorses-hanabusa-against-schatz/?wprss=rss_politics&utm_source=feedly ''Washington Post'', "Inouye’s widow endorses Hanabusa against Schatz" accessed May 3, 2013]</ref> In a statement Irene Hirano Inouye said, “Shortly after she was elected President of the [[Hawaii State Senate]], [[Daniel K. Inouye|Dan]] recognized that [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] was more than capable of succeeding him and he began to mentor her. His last wish was that [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] serve out his term because he was confident in her ability to step into the [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] and immediately help [[Hawaii]]. I am honoring one of his last requests, and look forward to supporting Colleen on the campaign trail.”<ref name="Inouye"/>

On May 3, 2013, the widow of [[Hawaii]] [[U.S. Senate|Senator]] [[Daniel K. Inouye]] endorsed Hanabusa’s bid against [[U.S. Senate|Sen.]] [[Brian Schatz]] (D), a move she said honors one of the late senator’s “last requests.”<ref name="Inouye">[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/05/03/inouyes-widow-endorses-hanabusa-against-schatz/?wprss=rss_politics&utm_source=feedly ''Washington Post'', "Inouye’s widow endorses Hanabusa against Schatz" accessed May 3, 2013]</ref> In a statement Irene Hirano Inouye said, “Shortly after she was elected President of the [[Hawaii State Senate]], [[Daniel K. Inouye|Dan]] recognized that [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] was more than capable of succeeding him and he began to mentor her. His last wish was that [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] serve out his term because he was confident in her ability to step into the [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] and immediately help [[Hawaii]]. I am honoring one of his last requests, and look forward to supporting Colleen on the campaign trail.”<ref name="Inouye"/>

−

Both candidates come to the race with their own strengths: [[Brian Schatz|Schatz]], as an incumbent, starts off with the fundraising advantage and has inherited a team of national strategists and consultants to run his campaign.<ref name="competitive"/> [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]], on the other hand, is better known within the [[Hawaii|state]] and is tapping into the network and political organization [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye]] left behind.<ref name="competitive">[http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/hawaii-senate-democratic-primary-94066.html ''Politico'', "Sunny Hawaii is home to hottest Democratic primary" accessed July 12, 2013]</ref>

+

Both candidates come to the race with their own strengths: [[Brian Schatz|Schatz]], as an incumbent, starts off with the fundraising advantage and has inherited a team of national strategists and consultants to run his campaign.<ref name="competitive"/> [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]], on the other hand, is better known within the [[Hawaii|state]] and is tapping into the political network [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye]] left behind.<ref name="competitive">[http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/hawaii-senate-democratic-primary-94066.html ''Politico'', "Sunny Hawaii is home to hottest Democratic primary" accessed July 12, 2013]</ref>

===Primary to watch===

===Primary to watch===

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==Controversy==

==Controversy==

−

===Age of Hanabusa===

+

===Election date===

−

In a January 2, 2014, interview with ''The Washington Post'', [[Governor of Hawaii|Gov.]] [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]] indicated that the reason he appointed [[Brian Schatz]] over [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] was her age, and apparently thought the 60-something [[United States House|congresswoman]] was too old to build seniority in the [[United States Senate|Senate]].<ref name="age">[http://www.usatoday.com/story/onpolitics/2014/01/02/hanabusa-schatz-hawaii-senate-primary-age/4286933/ ''USA Today,'' "Why age is playing a role in Hawaii Senate race," accessed January 6, 2014]</ref>

+

Following the primary elections on August 9, 2014, [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] warned of voting “irregularities” in precincts affected by a massive tropical storm and said she planned to speak with campaign lawyers about a potential ramifications.<ref name="tropstorm">[http://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/colleen-hanabusa-irregularities-hawaii-2014-primary-109936.html ''Politico'', "Colleen Hanabusa cites ‘irregularities’ in Hawaii vote," accessed August 12, 2014]</ref>

−

"Brian Schatz is 41. Colleen isn't. She's in her 60s," Abercrombie said in the interview.<ref name="age"/>

+

Although much of the focus of the too-close-to-call Democratic primary was on two precincts in the Big Island’s Puna District where polls were closed because of the storm, Hanabusa’s comments hinted at the impact in surrounding communities as well, where polls were open but some voters were unable to leave their homes.<ref name="tropstorm"/>

−

Abercrombie went on to say, "It had very little to do with Brian and Colleen themselves as people. It had everything to do with the future and the past."<ref name="age"/>

+

After an August 15, 2014, special election date was announced for two precincts that closed due to the extensive storm damage, [[Colleen Hanabusa]] filed a lawsuit to postpone the election until after clean-up efforts could be completed and included voters outside the two precincts who were also unable to safely make it to the polls.<ref name="lawsuithan">[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/08/13/hanabusa-files-lawsuit-to-delay-friday-election/ ''Washington Post'', "Hanabusa files lawsuit to delay Friday election," accessed August 14, 2014]</ref> Hanabusa's request for a delay was rejected.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/hawaii-judge-primary-timing-110035.html ''Politico'', "Colleen Hanabusa makeup vote protest rejected," August 14, 2014]</ref>

−

===Drug lobby donations===

+

===Age of Hanabusa===

−

[[Colleen Hanabusa]]’s deputy chief of staff, Christopher Raymond, in an e-mail sent June 28, 2013, discussed that the nation’s top drug lobby had agreed to run a campaign supporting the congresswoman’s challenge to [[United States Senate|Sen.]] [[Brian Schatz]] and wanted to coordinate it with her strategists.<ref name="post">[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congressional-aide-described-campaign-offer-by-drug-lobby/2013/07/27/cd1f9648-f60e-11e2-a2f1-a7acf9bd5d3a_print.html ''Washington Post'', "Congressional aide’s e-mail shows overture from drug lobby" accessed July 30, 2013]</ref> Such an effort could be in violation of campaign finance laws, which prohibit candidates and their staff from substantial discussions with interest groups about their independent political activities.<ref name="post"/>

+

In a January 2, 2014, interview with ''The Washington Post'', [[Governor of Hawaii|Gov.]] [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]] indicated that the reason he appointed [[Brian Schatz]] over [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] was her age, and that he thought she was too old to build seniority in the [[United States Senate|Senate]].<ref name="age">[http://www.usatoday.com/story/onpolitics/2014/01/02/hanabusa-schatz-hawaii-senate-primary-age/4286933/ ''USA Today,'' "Why age is playing a role in Hawaii Senate race," accessed January 6, 2014]</ref>

−

Officials with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa’s]] campaign denied that the group had offered to run such an effort but acknowledged talks about a possible fundraiser for Hanabusa and about the state of the race in general.<ref name="post"/>

+

"[[Brian Schatz]] is 41. [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] isn't. She's in her 60s," [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]] said in an interview.<ref name="age"/>

−

Campaign officials blamed the e-mail on a misinformed staffer, saying, "He made inaccurate assumptions about the type of help PhRMA could provide the campaign,” according to campaign spokesman Peter Boylan.<ref name="post"/>

+

===Democratic Party lawsuit===

−

+

On June 17, 2013, the [[Hawaii]] [[Democratic Party]] filed a lawsuit in federal court, ''Democratic Party of Hawaii v. Nago'', seeking to close its primary to all except registered [[Democrats]].<ref>[http://www.hawaiidemocrats.org/ ''Hawaii Democrats'', " News Release: Primary Election Challenge" accessed June 19, 2013]</ref> Currently, [[Hawaii]] does not ask voters to choose a party when they register to vote. This is the first time any state Democratic Party has ever filed a lawsuit to close an [[open primary]].<ref name="primary">[http://www.ballot-access.org/hawaii-democratic-party-sues-to-keep-outsiders-from-voting-in-its-primaries/ ''Ballot Access.org'', "Hawaii Democratic Party Sues To Keep Outsiders from Voting in its Primaries" accessed June 19, 2013]</ref> On November 14, 2013, a U.S. District Court judge ruled against the [[Democratic Party]]. The judge noted in his decision that in order for the party to win a lawsuit in the future it would need to demonstrate that the current [[open primary]] directly harms the [[Democratic Party|party]].<ref>[http://www.ballot-access.org/2013/11/hawaii-democratic-party-loses-primary-election-lawsuit/ ''Ballot Access.org'', "Hawaii Democratic Party Loses Primary Election Lawsuit," accessed August 16, 2014]</ref>

−

Matt Bennett, a spokesman for PhRMA, said officials there did not offer to do a campaign on Hanabusa’s behalf, but that the group had “preliminary” discussions about hosting an industry fundraiser for [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] through its political action committee.<ref name="post"/> He also said that a PhRMA lobbyist had spoken with Jennifer Sabas, a top Hanabusa campaign adviser, but that they had talked only about the state of the Democratic primary campaign in Hawaii.

+

−

+

−

Boylan echoed that, saying Sabas did not provide PhRMA with any information “that would constitute coordination in violation of the law.”<ref name="post"/>

+

−

+

−

PhRMA wants to unseat incumbent [[Brian Schatz]] because he supports legislation that would require drug makers to reinstate prescription drug rebates for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.<ref name="prescription">[http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/medicare-drug-rebates-are-needed-90151.html ''Politico'', "Medicare drug rebates needed" accessed July 30, 2013]</ref><ref name="civilbeat">[http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2013/05/23/19144-hanabusa-and-schatz-differ-over-making-drug-companies-pay/ ''Honolulu Civil Beat'', "Hanabusa And Schatz Differ Over Making Drug Companies Pay" accessed July 30, 2013]</ref> [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] is opposed to the bill, and has signed a letter saying drug companies would pass on the cost of the rebate to consumers.<ref name="civilbeat"/>

“I have not violated any campaign finance laws, and it is unfortunate what a distraction this misunderstanding has become,” Raymond said in a statement. “[[Congress|Congresswoman]] Colleen Hanabusa is the most qualified person to serve as [[Hawaii]]’s next [[U.S. Senate|U.S. senator]], and I have been honored and privileged to work for her.”<ref name="resigns"/>

+

==Polls==

==Polls==

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====Brian Schatz====

====Brian Schatz====

−

*On June 15, 2013, the Hawaii Government Employees Association endorsed Schatz over [[U.S. House|U.S. Rep.]] [[Colleen Hanabusa]] in the Democratic primary for [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]].<ref>[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20130615_HGEA_endorses_Schatz_for_Senate.html ''Hawaii Star Advertiser'', "HGEA endorses Schatz for Senate" accessed June 18, 2013]</ref> The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced on April 23 that it plans to back [[U.S. Senate|U.S. Sen.]] [[Brian Schatz]] in his bid for re-election next year amid a primary challenge from [[U.S. House|U.S. Rep.]] [[Colleen Hanabusa]].<ref>[http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/DSCC-to-back-Schatz-over-Hanabusa-in-Senate-race-4457051.php ''My San Antonio'', "DSCC to back Schatz over Hanabusa in Senate race" accessed April 29, 2013]</ref>

+

*The [[Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee]] announced on April 23, 2013, that it planned to back [[U.S. Senate|U.S. Sen.]] [[Brian Schatz]] in his bid for re-election.<ref>[http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/DSCC-to-back-Schatz-over-Hanabusa-in-Senate-race-4457051.php ''My San Antonio'', "DSCC to back Schatz over Hanabusa in Senate race" accessed April 29, 2013]</ref>

*In a statement on July 21, 2013, former Vice President Al Gore announced his endorsement for Schatz in the Democratic primary.<ref name="gore">[http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/hawaii-primary-brian-schatz-al-gore-endorsement-94538.html ''Politico'', "Al Gore backs Brian Schatz in Hawaii primary" accessed July 22, 2013]</ref> In the endorsement Gore stated, “Thanks to Brian’s visionary leadership, [[Hawaii]] implemented its own groundbreaking Clean Energy Initiative. As a result, [[Hawaii]] has tripled its renewable energy production from 6 percent to 18 percent. And we’re going to need [[Brian Schatz|Brian’s]] strong, outspoken leadership in [[Congress]] for many more years to get the job done.”

*In a statement on July 21, 2013, former Vice President Al Gore announced his endorsement for Schatz in the Democratic primary.<ref name="gore">[http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/hawaii-primary-brian-schatz-al-gore-endorsement-94538.html ''Politico'', "Al Gore backs Brian Schatz in Hawaii primary" accessed July 22, 2013]</ref> In the endorsement Gore stated, “Thanks to Brian’s visionary leadership, [[Hawaii]] implemented its own groundbreaking Clean Energy Initiative. As a result, [[Hawaii]] has tripled its renewable energy production from 6 percent to 18 percent. And we’re going to need [[Brian Schatz|Brian’s]] strong, outspoken leadership in [[Congress]] for many more years to get the job done.”

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*Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City, announced on December 3, 2013, that he planned to attend a reception for [[Brian Schatz|Schatz]] on January 2, 2014, in Honolulu.<ref>[http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2013/12/03/20560-bloomberg-to-headline-schatz-reception-in-honolulu/ ''Civil Beat,'' "Bloomberg to Headline Schatz Reception in Honolulu," accessed December 5, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/30/bloomberg-fundraiser-hawaii_n_4521532.html ''Huffington Post'', "Bloomberg Fundraiser For Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz Fuels An Already Heated Senate Race," accessed January 1, 2014]</ref>

*Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City, announced on December 3, 2013, that he planned to attend a reception for [[Brian Schatz|Schatz]] on January 2, 2014, in Honolulu.<ref>[http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2013/12/03/20560-bloomberg-to-headline-schatz-reception-in-honolulu/ ''Civil Beat,'' "Bloomberg to Headline Schatz Reception in Honolulu," accessed December 5, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/30/bloomberg-fundraiser-hawaii_n_4521532.html ''Huffington Post'', "Bloomberg Fundraiser For Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz Fuels An Already Heated Senate Race," accessed January 1, 2014]</ref>

**“Throughout her career, [[Colleen Hanabusa]] has fought for organized labor and advocated on behalf of our members and their families. As an attorney, former [[Hawaii State Senate]] President, and two-term member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] has always put the needs of hard working families first and taken strong positions against those seeking to reduce workers’ rights. She will continue her fight for us in the [[U.S. Senate]] and we are very proud to support the Waianae girl who will protect and preserve our Hawaii values,” said Donna Domingo, President, ILWU Local 142.<ref name="ilwu"/>

−

“Throughout her career, [[Colleen Hanabusa]] has fought for organized labor and advocated on behalf of our members and their families. As an attorney, former [[Hawaii State Senate]] President, and two-term member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] has always put the needs of hard working families first and taken strong positions against those seeking to reduce workers’ rights. She will continue her fight for us in the [[U.S. Senate]] and we are very proud to support the Waianae girl who will protect and preserve our Hawaii values,” said Donna Domingo, President, ILWU Local 142.<ref name="ilwu"/>

**"Our members know Colleen, they respect her proven record of leadership on the issues that matter most to them. … We trust her to help us look after Hawaii’s children and prepare them to lead our community into the future," said HSTA President Wil Okabe.<ref name="teachers"/>

"Our members know Colleen, they respect her proven record of leadership on the issues that matter most to them. … We trust her to help us look after Hawaii’s children and prepare them to lead our community into the future," said HSTA President Wil Okabe.<ref name="teachers"/>

+

==Media==

==Media==

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According to reports in April 2013, [[U.S. House|Rep.]] [[Colleen Hanabusa]] (D) had already raised $230,000 and had $248,000 cash-on-hand and incumbent [[Brian Schatz]] (D) raised $1.1 million and had $1 million cash-on-hand.<ref>[http://atr.rollcall.com/hawaii-schatz-fundraising-sends-message-to-potential-primary-foes/ ''Roll Call'', "Hawaii: Schatz’s Fundraising Sends Message to Potential Primary Foes" accessed April 17, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2013/04/15/18832-hanabusa-campaign-fundraising-falls-short-of-what-schatz-has-reported/ ''Honolulu Civil Beat'', "Hanabusa Campaign Fundraising Falls Short Of What Schatz Has Reported" accessed April 17, 2013]</ref> As of financial reports from July 2013, Hanabusa raised $500,000 in six weeks of fundraising since she officially announced her candidacy in May 2013.<ref name="money"/> She also had $248,600 in her [[U.S. House|House]] account at the end of the first quarter that she can use for her [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] campaign.<ref name="money"/>

According to reports in April 2013, [[U.S. House|Rep.]] [[Colleen Hanabusa]] (D) had already raised $230,000 and had $248,000 cash-on-hand and incumbent [[Brian Schatz]] (D) raised $1.1 million and had $1 million cash-on-hand.<ref>[http://atr.rollcall.com/hawaii-schatz-fundraising-sends-message-to-potential-primary-foes/ ''Roll Call'', "Hawaii: Schatz’s Fundraising Sends Message to Potential Primary Foes" accessed April 17, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2013/04/15/18832-hanabusa-campaign-fundraising-falls-short-of-what-schatz-has-reported/ ''Honolulu Civil Beat'', "Hanabusa Campaign Fundraising Falls Short Of What Schatz Has Reported" accessed April 17, 2013]</ref> As of financial reports from July 2013, Hanabusa raised $500,000 in six weeks of fundraising since she officially announced her candidacy in May 2013.<ref name="money"/> She also had $248,600 in her [[U.S. House|House]] account at the end of the first quarter that she can use for her [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] campaign.<ref name="money"/>

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Incumbent [[Brian Schatz]] raised $911,000 during the second quarter of 2013, according to his campaign, and had more than $2 million overall as of July 12, 2013.<ref name="money">[http://politicalradar.staradvertiserblogs.com/2013/07/11/q2-hanabusa/ ''Honolulu Star Advertiser'', "Q2 - Hanabusa" accessed July 12, 2013]</ref>

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Incumbent [[Brian Schatz]] raised $911,000 during the second quarter of 2013, according to his campaign, and had more than $2 million cash on hand as of July 12, 2013.<ref name="money">[http://politicalradar.staradvertiserblogs.com/2013/07/11/q2-hanabusa/ ''Honolulu Star Advertiser'', "Q2 - Hanabusa" accessed July 12, 2013]</ref>

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===Inouye family===

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According to reports, [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye’s]] widow, Irene Hirano Inouye, wants [[Brian Schatz|Schatz]] out of the seat occupied for nearly 50 years by her late husband, and has announced her support in a fundraising drive for Schatz’s primary election opponent, [[Colleen Hanabusa]] in August 2013.<ref name="hirano">[http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/316873-inouye-family-backing-hanabusa-fundraising-drive-to-help-oust-schatz ''The Hill'', "Inouye family backs Hanabusa fundraising drive to help oust Schatz," accessed August 13, 2013]</ref>

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“As [[United States Senate|Senator]], [[Daniel Inouye|Dan]] worked hard to create a better future for [[Hawaii]]. He did so with dignity, humility, and most importantly, a deep love and respect for Hawaii's people and values,” Irene Hirano Inouye wrote in a fundraising email on August 13, 2013.<ref name="hirano"/> “I am supporting [[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen]] for [[United States Senate|Senate]] because she displays those same qualities and understands how to deliver for [[Hawaii]],” she added.<ref name="hirano"/> She also argued that the [[United States Senate|Senate]], which is 80 percent male, needs more women in its ranked.<ref name="hirano"/> “[[Colleen Hanabusa|Colleen's]] candidacy presents the best opportunity to elect another well-qualified woman to represent us all,” Inouye wrote.<ref name="hirano"/>

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Relations between Schatz and Inouye’s camp have been tense since [[Governor of Hawaii|Hawaii Gov.]] [[Neil Abercrombie]] (D) defied [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye’s]] dying wish that [[Colleen Hanabusa|Hanabusa]] should be appointed his successor.<ref name="hirano"/>

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Jennifer Sabas, [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye']]s former chief of staff, issued a statement at the time expressing disappointment with [Brain Schatz|Schatz’s]] appointment.<ref name="hirano"/> "[[United States Senate|Sen.]] [[Daniel Inouye|Inouye]] conveyed his final wish to [[Governor of Hawaii|Gov.]] [[Neil Abercrombie|Abercrombie]]. While we are very disappointed that it was not honored, it was the [[Neil Abercrombie|governor's]] decision to make. We wish [[Brian Schatz]] the best of luck," it stated.<ref name="hirano"/>

The special election will be held to fill the vacancy left by the death of Senator Daniel Inouye (D).

Incumbent Brian Schatz won the Democratic primary by less than a one percent margin of victory.

Following the initial primary election date on August 9, 2014, Hanabusa warned of voting “irregularities” in precincts affected by a massive tropical storm and said she planned to speak with campaign lawyers about a potential ramifications.[3]

Although much of the focus of the Democratic primary was on two precincts in the Big Island’s Puna District where polls were closed because of the storm, Hanabusa’s comments hinted at the impact in surrounding communities, where polls were open but some voters were unable to leave their homes.[3]

After an August 15, 2014, special election date was announced for two precincts that closed due to the extensive storm damage, Colleen Hanabusa filed a lawsuit aimed at postponing the election until after clean-up efforts could be completed and included voters outside the two precincts who were unable to safely make it to the polls.[4] The request for a delay in the make-up date was denied.[5]

As the winner of the contested Democratic primary and the sitting incumbent, Schatz is a favorite for the general election in the heavily Democratic state.[6]

Race background

Senator Daniel Inouye died December 17, 2012, 50 years after he was first elected to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. He was the longest serving sitting senator in U.S. history.[20] According to Hawaii law, Gov.Neil Abercrombie (D) was required to appoint someone to the open seat until the special election in 2014. The appointee had to be one of three names submitted by the state party of the incumbent. Inouye gave his preference for his successor in a letter to Abercrombie, in which Inouye listed Colleen Hanabusa as his pick to replace him in the U.S. Senate. RepresentativeHanabusa topped the list of early contenders.[9]

The looming fiscal cliff votes gave Abercrombie a very narrow window to appoint another Democrat to Inouye's seat.[21][22] On December 26, 2012, the governor tapped his Lieutenant Governor, Brian E. Schatz (D), to fill the vacancy, denying Inouye's deathbed request that Hanabusa should succeed him.[23]Abercrombie took considerable criticism after stating that he questioned the validity of the letter sent by Inouye on his deathbed.[24][25] He later issued an apology for his remarks.[26]

On May 3, 2013, the widow of HawaiiSenatorDaniel K. Inouye endorsed Hanabusa’s bid against Sen.Brian Schatz (D), a move she said honors one of the late senator’s “last requests.”[32] In a statement Irene Hirano Inouye said, “Shortly after she was elected President of the Hawaii State Senate, Dan recognized that Colleen was more than capable of succeeding him and he began to mentor her. His last wish was that Colleen serve out his term because he was confident in her ability to step into the Senate and immediately help Hawaii. I am honoring one of his last requests, and look forward to supporting Colleen on the campaign trail.”[32]

Both candidates come to the race with their own strengths: Schatz, as an incumbent, starts off with the fundraising advantage and has inherited a team of national strategists and consultants to run his campaign.[33]Hanabusa, on the other hand, is better known within the state and is tapping into the political network Inouye left behind.[33]

Primary to watch

Primary vulnerability

Schatz was named by National Journal as one of the top five incumbent senators at risk of losing his or her primary election. Four of the five most vulnerable senators were Republican.[35]

Controversy

Election date

Following the primary elections on August 9, 2014, Hanabusa warned of voting “irregularities” in precincts affected by a massive tropical storm and said she planned to speak with campaign lawyers about a potential ramifications.[3]

Although much of the focus of the too-close-to-call Democratic primary was on two precincts in the Big Island’s Puna District where polls were closed because of the storm, Hanabusa’s comments hinted at the impact in surrounding communities as well, where polls were open but some voters were unable to leave their homes.[3]

After an August 15, 2014, special election date was announced for two precincts that closed due to the extensive storm damage, Colleen Hanabusa filed a lawsuit to postpone the election until after clean-up efforts could be completed and included voters outside the two precincts who were also unable to safely make it to the polls.[4] Hanabusa's request for a delay was rejected.[36]

Age of Hanabusa

In a January 2, 2014, interview with The Washington Post, Gov.Abercrombie indicated that the reason he appointed Brian Schatz over Hanabusa was her age, and that he thought she was too old to build seniority in the Senate.[37]

Democratic Party lawsuit

On June 17, 2013, the HawaiiDemocratic Party filed a lawsuit in federal court, Democratic Party of Hawaii v. Nago, seeking to close its primary to all except registered Democrats.[38] Currently, Hawaii does not ask voters to choose a party when they register to vote. This is the first time any state Democratic Party has ever filed a lawsuit to close an open primary.[39] On November 14, 2013, a U.S. District Court judge ruled against the Democratic Party. The judge noted in his decision that in order for the party to win a lawsuit in the future it would need to demonstrate that the current open primary directly harms the party.[40]

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

In a statement on July 21, 2013, former Vice President Al Gore announced his endorsement for Schatz in the Democratic primary.[6] In the endorsement Gore stated, “Thanks to Brian’s visionary leadership, Hawaii implemented its own groundbreaking Clean Energy Initiative. As a result, Hawaii has tripled its renewable energy production from 6 percent to 18 percent. And we’re going to need Brian’s strong, outspoken leadership in Congress for many more years to get the job done.”

Sierra Club of Hawaii director Robert Harris, in a press release September 1, 2013, said, “SenatorSchatz is exactly the kind of clean energy leader Hawaii and America need. His commitment to homegrown, clean energy is second-to-none. Based on his lengthy background in working to protect Hawaii’s environment, we are confident he is the best choice to protect Hawaii families’ health, air and water, and build a clean energy economy that works for our state.”[43]

Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City, announced on December 3, 2013, that he planned to attend a reception for Schatz on January 2, 2014, in Honolulu.[44][45]

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142, endorsed Hanabusa on December 19, 2013.[56][57]

“Throughout her career, Colleen Hanabusa has fought for organized labor and advocated on behalf of our members and their families. As an attorney, former Hawaii State Senate President, and two-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Colleen has always put the needs of hard working families first and taken strong positions against those seeking to reduce workers’ rights. She will continue her fight for us in the U.S. Senate and we are very proud to support the Waianae girl who will protect and preserve our Hawaii values,” said Donna Domingo, President, ILWU Local 142.[56]

On December 23, 2013, the Hawaii State Teacher’s Association endorsed Hanabusa.[58]

"Our members know Colleen, they respect her proven record of leadership on the issues that matter most to them. … We trust her to help us look after Hawaii’s children and prepare them to lead our community into the future," said HSTA President Wil Okabe.[58]

Media

Colleen Hanabusa

Colleen Hanabusa's first ad, released in May 2014, "Obligation."

Colleen Hanabusa's second ad, released in June 2014, "Protecting our Kupuna."

Colleen Hanabusa's third ad, released in June 2014, "Real Issues."

Colleen Hanabusa released her first ad on May 23, 2014. The ad, a positive biographical ad, focused on her connections to the state and her middle-class roots.[59]

Hanabusa released her third ad on June 19, 2014. The ad emphasized her accomplishments, displayed as text on the screen. However, the amount of text in the ad was criticized as being information overload for viewers.[60]

Brian Schatz

Brian Schatz's first ad, released in March 2014, "Commitment."

Brian Schatz's second ad, released in April 2014, "Opportunity."

Brian Schatz's third ad, released in April 2014, "Two Reaons."

Brian Schatz released his first ad of the campaign on March 25, 2014, "Commitment."[61][62][63] The ad featured Schatz’s family, including his wife Linda’s parents, and highlighted his efforts on Social Security.[63] The ad began with Schatz saying, "More than 200,000 people in Hawaii receive Social Security benefits each year. They're the reason I've stood up to every attempt to cut Social Security."[62]

Schatz released his second ad on April 13, 2014, focused on pay disparity between men and women.[64]

The ad began with a photo of Schatz as a child on a Hawaii playground before it transitioned to him as an adult in a classroom full of smiling, multi-ethnic children. He then stated that, as a state and federal lawmaker, he has sponsored legislation to cut the gap between men and women’s pay, while the words “Paycheck Fairness Act” appeared on screen.[64]

Schatz's third ad, released on April 30, 2014, focused on gun control.[65] The ad, which featured quotes from President Barack Obama, focused on Schatz's record on gun control in the Senate and stated that his top two reasons for voting in favor of gun regulation are his two children.[65]

Schatz's fourth ad, released on June 27, 2014, emphasized his work on lowering student loan interest rates.[66]

LCV

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) launched a television ad campaign supporting Brian Schatz in July 2014, ahead of the Democratic primary on August 9, 2014. The first ad, “Special,” highlighted his leadership on climate change and efforts to hold corporate polluters accountable.[67]

“SenatorSchatz is tirelessly leading the fight to halt the climate change that will devastate Hawaii and is fighting to and hold corporate polluters accountable by requiring them to slash their emissions. Hawaii needs his vision and leadership in the United States Senate,” said LCV Senior Vice President Daniel J. Weiss.[67]

Campaign donors

Candidates for Congress are required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season.

April 2013

According to reports in April 2013, Rep.Colleen Hanabusa (D) had already raised $230,000 and had $248,000 cash-on-hand and incumbent Brian Schatz (D) raised $1.1 million and had $1 million cash-on-hand.[87][88] As of financial reports from July 2013, Hanabusa raised $500,000 in six weeks of fundraising since she officially announced her candidacy in May 2013.[89] She also had $248,600 in her House account at the end of the first quarter that she can use for her Senate campaign.[89]

Incumbent Brian Schatz raised $911,000 during the second quarter of 2013, according to his campaign, and had more than $2 million cash on hand as of July 12, 2013.[89]